Oliver Tucker, co-founder and CEO of Wireless Logic. Image courtesy of Wireless Logic.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has come a long way from smart TVs, washing machines, and CCTVs. A recent Kaspersky survey found that 64% of businesses in Asia Pacific have already deployed some form of IoT (sensors, smartwatches, VR headsets, etc.). But as IoT adoption grows, so does the attack surface, with only around 10% of IoT owners considering themselves fully protected from cyber threats.
For companies like Wireless Logic, IoT is a dynamic field that requires continuous innovation to meet evolving business demands.
Oliver Tucker, co-founder and CEO of Wireless Logic, sat down with Frontier Enterprise to discuss current issues in the IoT space, including challenges and new opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. He highlighted the company’s partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to leverage its low-earth orbit satellites, and shared insights on integrating AI and machine learning to enhance IoT solutions.
You co-founded Wireless Logic with Phil Cole in 2000. What have been some of the highlights so far there, and what has been the most notable change in the connectivity landscape since then, especially with the rise of IoT?
The past two decades have been transformative for Wireless Logic. Since our founding in 2000, we have expanded globally to manage more than 13 million IoT subscriptions across 165 countries. Highlights include strategic acquisitions, partnerships with industry leaders like SpaceX’s Starlink, and advancements in IoT connectivity technology.
The rise of IoT has dramatically changed the connectivity landscape, moving from basic machine-to-machine communication to sophisticated, data-driven IoT solutions. This evolution has enabled smarter decisions and driven efficiency and innovation in sectors ranging from healthcare to smart energy.
What are the biggest challenges for IoT connectivity in APAC, and how do you think the industry as a whole can address these challenges?
The Asia-Pacific region presents unique challenges, including diverse regulatory environments and technology gaps. To address these challenges, the industry must invest in region-specific support and resources, build strong regional partnerships, and develop adaptable and scalable solutions.
Strengthening cybersecurity measures are also critical to protect sensitive data. Leveraging AI for threat detection and anomaly management, and ensuring compliance with local regulations, can help the industry better serve the diverse needs of the APAC market and foster sustainable growth.
As IoT technology evolves rapidly, what strategies do you think are important to stay ahead in the market?
To stay ahead, we focus on a customer-centric approach, continuous innovation and strategic acquisitions. Flexibility is key: we are network and service agnostic, providing customized solutions to businesses across sectors.
Investments in cutting-edge technologies such as AI and machine learning strengthen our capabilities, and expanding our geographic reach through strategic investments keeps us competitive. Acquiring companies with the expertise and rapidly integrating new technologies allows us to deliver advanced solutions.
What do you think are the main security threats facing IoT implementations today, and what are the best practices for mitigating these risks?
It’s interesting to see how IoT security has evolved over the years. In the past, IoT devices were highly vulnerable and convenience and simplicity were often prioritized over security. Today, we are moving towards a security-first approach that prioritizes secure network connectivity for devices.
Key security threats include unauthorized access, data breaches, and AI-enabled cyber-attacks. Mitigating these risks requires robust encryption, continuous monitoring, and AI-based anomaly detection. It is important to adhere to industry standards and regulations, design devices with security in mind, and keep software and firmware up to date. A 360-degree security approach to prevent, detect, and respond to threats is essential. Regular rehearsals and continuous improvement processes further strengthen security measures and ensure a resilient IoT ecosystem.
How is Wireless Logic integrating AI and machine learning into its IoT solutions to improve connectivity and performance?
Wireless Logic integrates AI and machine learning to enhance threat detection, optimize network performance and provide predictive maintenance. AI-driven analytics identifies patterns and anomalies, enabling proactive measures to ensure connectivity and performance.
This integration supports smarter, more resilient solutions that adapt to users’ dynamic needs, improving efficiency, reducing downtime and strengthening security.
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on and what’s your technology roadmap for the next 5 years?
Currently, we are partnering with SpaceX’s Starlink to develop robust connectivity solutions that combine satellite and cellular networks, which is especially important for organizations and businesses that require uninterrupted connectivity in challenging cross-border environments and areas without cellular coverage, such as maritime operations.
Going forward, we are looking to further integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI to enhance our services and expand our presence in the Asia-Pacific region. We will continue to focus on driving innovation, enhancing the security of our services and solutions, and providing advanced IoT connectivity solutions to meet evolving global needs.
